To the Jew, there was a charm in the very name of "Jerusalem", it was
to him the holy city, and the object of his warmest love. And that
name has by use, become so associated with Christian churches, and our
heavenly home, that it is almost as precious to us Christians. Indeed,
with many of us, when Jerusalem is mentioned, we think, not of an
earthly city — but of Christian privileges, or the glory that is to be
revealed. Heaven is our Jerusalem, in the highest sense of the word, for
there we shall have perfect peace. Where the Lord's spiritual people meet
for worship — is our Jerusalem, in a subordinate sense, for there we enjoy
the peace of God in the conscience, and are at peace one with another. I
have just been reading the exhortation of the Psalmist, "Pray for the peace
of Jerusalem; those who love you shall prosper." Psalm 122:6. And my mind at
once reverted to the church of God at large, and then to the little
hill where I meet with the brethren to worship; and as I did so, I thought
of —

The Exhortation.

The
object to be prayed for is, "Jerusalem," which represents the church of
God in four things:

1. Here the king resides. Yes, Jesus, who is King
of kings, and Lord of lords, not only meets with his people — but he dwells
among them. They have his presence with them always, and when they meet for
worship, he manifests himself to them. How often have we seen the goings of
our God, the goings of our king in the sanctuary.

2. Here authority is exercised. The laws of Jesus
are enforced, and godly discipline is kept up. Not only so — but there is
authority in the word preached, which convinces, condemns, absolves, and
sets at liberty, all who believe in his name.

3. Here the tribes meet. From different parts, and
places, the people come up. They meet . . .
as pilgrims, to enjoy rest;
as brethren, to enjoy communion;
and as the people of God to worship.

4. Here favors are conferred. The choicest,
richest favors, which God can give!

The guilty, receive a pardon;
the hungry, obtain food;
the feeble, are strengthened and invigorated;
the ignorant, are instructed and informed;
the sorrowful, are comforted and cheered;
the miserable, find mercy; and
the necessitous, receive grace to help them in time of need.

Here it is, that the Lord . . .
satisfies the hungrywith good things,
blesses the provision of his house,
and fills his poor with bread.

The blessing to be sought is "peace." Peace is the
soul of both domestic and social happiness.

Peace! that is, freedom from foes. Especially from
foes within.

Peace! that is union and cooperation, the body
one, the members all working in harmony and love.

Peace, that is, brotherly affection, each looking
upon all as brethren, and each loving the other, with fraternal love.

Pray then for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray alone,
and in private. Pray together, in the family, and in the house of God. Pray,
and pray with energy and fervor. Pray, and pray in faith.
Pray, and pray with importunity. Pray, as for an object beloved.
Pray, as for necessary and invaluable blessings!

The Inducement.

"Those
who love you shall prosper." Here is a promise, a glorious promise, for all
who love, serve, and intercede for the church of God. If we love the
saints, we shall sympathize with them; and if we sympathize with
them, we shall pray for them. As the Lord turned the captivity of Job
when he prayed, not for himself — but for his friends; so the Lord often
grants us a peculiar blessing, when we are interceding for others,
and employing our talents on their behalf.

Those who love and pray for God's people shall prosper;
the prosperity may not be temporal, though it often is — but it shall
be spiritual, and it frequently includes both. They shall . . .
grow in grace,
be strong in faith,
enjoy delightful fellowship,
realize solid happiness, and
rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Let us ask then: Are we citizens of the heavenly
Jerusalem? Do we love, pray for, and strive to aid the prosperity of the
holy city? Are we enjoying the blessing of prosperity — soul prosperity? If
not — why? God has promised, and he meant what he said. He has fulfilled his
promise in the experience of thousands, then why not in ours? If we love
Jerusalem, pray for her peace, and seek her good — we shall enjoy
prosperity. This is God's highway to prosperity, let us therefore
walk in it!